Noosa International Food Festival Launch at Union Dining

Union Dining was the place to be as The World Loves Melbourne and other media celebrated the launch of the Noosa International Food and Wine Festival for 2015. What Melburnians appreciate is that this is arguably the foremost food festival in Australia. So many local and international chefs are featured at this festival, so many top quality foodie events, and the breadth and scope of all things culinary is substantial.

The Noosa International Food and Wine Festival (NIFW) is hitting top gear for the 2015 event, bringing more than 250 of the best in food, wine and lifestyle to Australia’s iconic festival location: Noosa Heads, on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, May 14-17. “In 2015 we’re focussing on new trends and spearheading some original new events, such as a Wild Food Dinner, new and exciting food trails, lifestyle discussions, putting the industry’s trending topics front and centre,” said Festival Director, Jim Berardo. Next year’s line-up is bringing together more of what festival goers want; we’re delivering more events on Noosa Main Beach, more beach parties and of course, more of the fun people know and love about the Festival.” Berardo is orchestrating the perfect mix of the world’s leading chefs, forerunners of the food producing industry, Australia’s top wineries, award-winning Australian produce and hot live entertainment.

The festival also spearheads the latest in food trends and interactive discussions with the country’s top media and restaurateurs. So join the celebration for the hottest food and wine events right on Noosa Main Beach, immerse yourself in the hinterland food trails and join lively discussions with the nation’s top media and food critics debating current issues, on-trend topics and techniques.

4. Two incredible chances to get your feet in the sand at the 1970s Beach Party BBQ & Clam Bake on Noosa Main Beach, on Saturday and Sunday nights.

5. A new food trail: A Real Farm Experience & Lunch with the Walkers, in the hinterland. Visit their working farm with nomadic chickens and beef, centred around their ethos of dedication, passion and commitment to the highest standards in animal welfare and quality produce. With chefs Marty Boetz, Cameron Matthews and Alex Herbert.

6. The new Seafood Trail to the Mooloolah River -visit the boats and meet the fisherman as they unload their catch, then feast on their bounty whilst learning about the latest in sustainable fishing practices. With chefs: Jiro Numata, Zeb Gilbert, David Pugh and Steven Snow.

7. Asahi Super Dry Premium BBQ Lunch on Noosa Main Beach- beer, boardies and bikinis. Great beer, amazing, top-notch food by the kings of the grill: Morgan McGlone, Andre De Laine and USA guru of the BBQ Andrew Evans. No better way to spend a Friday lunch with old and new friends.

8. Australia’s top wine authorities bring us more of their expertise through fabulous master classes: Bernadette O’Shea, Aaron Brasher, Tony Harper, Peter Forrestal, Ken Gargett, George Samios and Qantas epiQure. 9. Engage directly with Australia’s top winemakers from the country’s top vineyards; only at the NIFW can you meet and interact directly with more than 70 of the nation’s best.

While enjoying a sumptuous meal at Union Dining we hear from those who have previously visited the Festival and about some of the attractions in the 2015 program. The first course of Cured Hiramasa kingfish, whipped goat curd, pickled beetroot, French breakfast radishes, roe was a delightful combination.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games, Jann Stuckey, said the 2015 festival boasts a spectacular program which features as part of Queensland’s It’s Live! events’ calendar. “The Noosa International Food and Wine Festival continues to attract thousands of visitors to the Sunshine Coast by serving up the perfect fusion of food and wine in spectacular natural surrounds,” Minister Stuckey said. “From seafood lunches along Noosa’s attractive beachside to hinterland food trails, the 2015 program will tempt travellers to ‘make the most of the moment’. “Supporting major events such as this iconic festival is part of the Queensland Government’s commitment to grow overnight visitor expenditure to $30 billion by 2020.”

John Beaney (middle) was the winner of the Victorian cook off as best home cook with his Italian dish (now in the national final). John is a passionate cook, retired heart specialist and a character - The World Loves Melbourne hopes he takes out the national award. In any case he and his wife get a trip to the Festival, a great prize.

Nicky Reimer, Head Chef at Union Dining, was on hand to talk about the food, and expressed her passion for the Noosa Food and Wine Festival.

Matt McConnell spoke about the prospect of the McConnell brothers cooking together at the Festival!

Dessert was also rewarding, with a delectable Apple frangipane tart.

The NIFW is incredibly proud to be associated with presenting sponsor Westpac, and all our major partners, Qantas, Audi, and Seppelt. Westpac’s, QLD State General Manager Retail and Business Banking, Greg Crocombe, said Westpac is once again delighted to be part of the event. “It is so important to not just the local Sunshine Coast community, but to foodies right across Australia. We can’t wait for the 2015 line up, which is set to be bigger and better than ever,” Mr Crocombe said.

Australia’s premier food, wine and lifestyle event is also proud to announce its exciting new partnership with exceptional Australian specialty coffee company; Di Bella Coffee and is delighted at the new opportunities the partnership will bring into the future. The Di Bella Coffee partnership sets a new milestone for the NIFW in alignment with the 2015 festival’s key messaging of sustainable, informed and ethical food sourcing choices.

There’s nowhere like the Noosa International Food and Wine Festival to get up close and personal with your favourite food heroes: expect to bump in to all the fabulous usual suspects in Noosa and many more. The spectacular location offers a festival experience like no other; most activities are within walking distance of the main festival village. Also nearby you can visit the stunning Noosa National Park, Hastings St and Noosa Main Beach while visiting Australia’s premier food, wine and lifestyle. Get on it!